Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii - John Seach

The earthquake swarm which began at Kilauea volcano on Sunday continues at a smaller rate. Today there was a swarm focus between Makaopuhi and Napau craters, further down rift than yesterday. Inflation of 70 cm has been measured across the east rift zone near Makaopuhi crater, and cracks have been observed between Mauna Ulu and Makaopuhi crater. The crater floor at Pu`u `O`o vent has dropped by about 20 m and no flowing lava was seen in skylights in the Petunia tube. Activity at Pu`u `O`o crater has decreased in response to the intrusion of magma into the east rift zone on 17th June. A similar intrusion of magma at Kilauea volcano in 1997 and 1999 resulted in cessation of Pu`u `O`o activity for several days to weeks.
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